Condoleeza Rice visits Brazil/Condoleeza Rice visita o Brasil

Condoleeza Rice visits Brazil/Condoleeza Rice visita o Brasil

Condoleeza Rice visits Brazil

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice made a visit to Brazil last week to discuss the recent crisis concerning Colombia, Venezuela and Equador. During her visit, Rice also participated in a “Joint Plan of Action Between the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the United States of America for the Elimination of Ethnic/Racial Discrimination and the Promotion of Equality”.

The goal of this collaboration was as follows:

“Recognizing the democratic, multiethnic and multiracial nature of Brazilian and American societies that strengthen the ties of friendship between the two countries. Recognizing, moreover, the commitment of their governments to racial equality and equality of opportunities, quite like the historic existent friendship between the two nations. Reaffirming their constant and more profound cooperation for the elimination of ethnic and racial discrimination and for the equality of opportunities for all.”

In the photos, Rice signs the Plan of Action along with Brazil’s Minister of Racial Equality, Edson Santos. After visiting the Brazilian capital city, Brasilia, Rice then visited Salvador, Bahia, a city considered to be the mecca of African Culture in Brazil. Asked why she came to Bahia, Rice explains that it was a “personal desire”. Below is a quote taken from an interview of Rice with William Waack, journalist for Brazilian television network, Globo.

William Waack: So it – apparently, it was one – a personal wish from your side to be in Bahia. And why?

CONDOLEEZA RICE: It was a personal wish of mine to be in Bahia. First of all, I’ve heard so much of Bahia over the years, of Salvador as a great city, but also because of the Afro-Brazilian community here and the expression of that culture here. I am, of course, myself of – partly of African descent and I’ve always believed that Brazil and the United States, in some ways, look more like each other than any two countries in the world; great European and Latin and African and (inaudible) traditions all living side by side. I wanted to come to Bahia. I can see I wasn’t wrong. It’s absolutely beautiful here. I’m just sorry I don’t have longer to be in Bahia.